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Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria: March 27 – April 2, 2010

For Immediate Release: March 26, 2010

Saturday, March 27 – Sixth Annual Great Rum Punch ChallengeJust as tavern guests did over 200 years ago, try different rum punch creations from local distilleries, restaurants and caterers – and then vote for your favorite at Gadsby's Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St.). This year’s participants include defending champ Bittersweet, Union Street Pub, Bacardi, Dogfish Head Spirits, Basikneads Catering and Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant. From 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., enjoy rum punch, period and modern food, and a silent auction full of great items. Tickets are $50 and reservations are required. For more information, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Saturday, March 27 – Presentation of Finalists for Four Mile Run Pedestrian-Cyclist Bridge
The public is invited to attend a series of presentations by the three finalists who will be sharing their professional works for the planned Four Mile Run Pedestrian-Cyclist Bridge from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of the finalists, attend a reception at 6 p.m. and receive the decision of the selection panel at 7 p.m. For more information and to register, visit www.4milerun.org.

Saturday, March 27 – Icons of American ScienceFrom 1 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., explore the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary, a family-run business for over 100 years, and be awed by hands-on 18th century science demonstrations of Ben Franklin and Joseph Priestly’s discoveries. The Apothecary, 105-107 South Fairfax Street, contains a large variety of objects, from poison bottles to dragon’s blood, for tours to discover. Science demonstrations are provided by Project Enlightenment, McLean High School’s Historical Reenactment Society. The hands-on demonstrations will safely demonstrate properties of electricity and pneumatics, so be prepared for a shockingly good time! Tours last one hour and start on the hour and quarter past the hour. Cost is $6 per person and reservations are recommended. Please call 703.746.3852 or visit www.apothecarymuseum.org for more information.

Saturday, April 3 – Easter Tea
Come to Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St.) in your Easter finery to enjoy tasting a variety of herbal teas and sweet treats, with seating at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Costumed interpreters will serve tea and provide tours of the museum, and everyone will receive a treat to take home. This 18th-century tea includes the museum's special blend of tea, pound cake, dried fruit, and assortment of cookies. The cost is $25 per person. For more information, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Saturday, April 10 - Potomac River Watershed CleanupDo you want to do something for Earth Day this year? You can volunteer to participate in the Alice Ferguson Foundation’s 22nd Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup and the City of Alexandria’s Plastic Bag Initiative, alexandriava.gov/PlasticBags Four Mile Run Stream Clean Up on April 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 (noon). The Stream Cleanup will be taking place at Four Mile Run Park at 3700 Commonwealth Avenue, Mount Vernon Avenue and Four Mile Run Park, and Eaton Square at 801 Four Mile Road. For more information visit alexandriava.gov/environment or e-mail Jesse.Maines@alexandriava.gov or call 746.4071.

Saturday, April 10 - 16th Annual Homeownership Fair
The Office of Housing will host the 16th Annual Homeownership Fair on Saturday, April 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave. The Fair provides an opportunity for first-time homebuyers to learn about the home buying process, affordable financing opportunities, and ways to overcome barriers to homeownership. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Housing.

Saturday, April 17 – 10-Year Anniversary of Beatley Central LibraryThe public is invited to Beatley Central Library to enjoy the official celebration of the 10-year anniversary of Beatley Library. The 60,200 square foot library opened in the winter of 2000 and was named for Charles E. Beatley, Jr., Mayor of Alexandria from 1967 to 1976 and 1979 to 1985. Many activities are planned throughout the day for the anniversary celebration and National Library Week. Visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us for details.

Ongoing

Early Morning Fitness at Charles Houston
The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities provides early morning fitness and recreation opportunities, Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. Participants have access to the center’s fitness room, game room, gymnasium and computer lab. Single and multi visit admission passes are available for purchase. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/recreation, call 703.746.5552 or e-mail sheila.whiting@alexandriava.gov.

Every Monday through April 26 – Tavern Toddlers
Join us for a special program for toddlers (walkers through 36 months) and their caregivers at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Tavern Toddlers features a weekly open playtime in Gadsby’s historic ballroom on Mondays, excluding Federal holidays, through April 26 any time between 10:30 a.m. and noon. Cost is $7 for a group of three, which must include one adult, or $30 for purchase of a five-week pass. For more information, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Nominations for John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Award and Gerry Bertier ScholarshipThe Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities is seeking nominations for two annual awards that honor local residents. The John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Award recognizes an individual who has advocated for persons with disabilities. The Gerry Bertier Scholarship awards up to a $1,000 merit based scholarship to a City of Alexandria resident with a disability or to a student at a school located in the City of Alexandria who seeks post-secondary education. Winners will be recognized at a reception to be held in the Vola Lawson Lobby at City Hall on Tuesday, June 22. Forms must be submitted by April 30, and are available by contacting Mike Hatfield at mike.hatfield@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3148 (711 TTY).

Open through Saturday, May 31 – “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts” ExhibitionA new exhibition at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., blends historical photographs, artifacts and reflections to tell the story of Girl Scouting in the Washington metropolitan area. “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts” features a collection of Girl Scout uniforms from the 1910s, 1930s and 1960s, Brownie items from as early as 1937, a display of cookie fundraising materials, and extensive camping and hiking exhibits highlighted by a tent and official Girl Scout gear including a canteen, collapsible cup, pocket knife, compass, and more. Suggested admission is $2. The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.746.4994.